Throw Back Thursday - Days of Summer

It's unfathomable that we're already half way through summer vacation, and then I'm reminded by the ever growing dark circles under my eyes that maybe I should be happier.  Mediating impossible arguments between my girls over such things as teeth and dirty socks has made it painfully clear that my 'patience-to-number of summer days left' ratio is way off.  Of course, I have to take some of the blame for the expanding baggage...I stay up later than I should tending to the mundane chores like paying bills, catching up on business correspondence, laundry, etc. etc. etc.  I can't be the only Mom wishing for longer days.

June through August is when I get to spend a lot of time with the girls making sweet special memories.  We've beached it up and down the coast, visited the zoo, participated in summer sports and made day trips here, there and everywhere, but no matter how perfect the day starts the infamous argument over who sits where on the ride home ends it with me speaking through gritted teeth.  ;)

40 days 7 hours and 54 minutes until the first day of school.

Ogunquit Beach looking for shells

Gray Animal Farm

Field Hockey game at Deering HS

Boston Tea Party Tour

In celebration of summer and Throw Back Thursday (#TBT), I found these old photos of my sister and I from one of our summer vacations to Florida.  I'm not sure how old we were, but I distinctly remember that we got along MOST of the time.  My poor parents.  Being a single mother certainly isn't easy, but I am extremely grateful for my beautiful girls and wouldn't change a single thing.  Except maybe a third row seat.

When I've had enough of playing referee, I head to my studio where I can recharge and even out (this usually happens late at night after they've gone to bed).  Being creative always helps.  This week I again participated in Mojo Monday's sketch challenge.

I found a vintage Victorian seaside image and the rest, as they say, is history.

 Lots of layering and texture using burlap, metal brads (K&Co.) and wooden embellishments.  I also added one of the seashells the girls and I found on Ogunquit Beach!

The paper is a mishmash from my stash:  Daisy Ds, My Mind's Eye (Lost & Found), and DCWV.  The buttons are vintage and their tied up with waxed string and gold bakers twine.  I was happy with the way it turned out, but most importantly, I got in some creative time to myself.

Summer is almost over (here in the North East any way), so get out there and enjoy it!

M.

Sweet Memories

I had THE most incredible weekend !! 

....and THIS is where it started!  On the beautiful Maine coast at 5:08am, folks!!  Honestly, it could have been in the middle of the darkest night and I wouldn't have been any place else.

Friday, July 4th at sunrise on Ogunquit beach, my Uncle Toby married the love of his life, David.

They asked me to officiate and I couldn't have been more honored or filled with love....

They deserve a lifetime of bliss surrounded by a world of profound joy and happiness.

Welcome to the family, Uncle David!!  

They presented me with a gorgeous pair of handcrafted earrings and a handwritten note that I'll always cherish.  In fact, I'm now going to wear them at every wedding I'm blessed enough to officiate.

The girls and I hung out with the Uncles for the day and enjoyed the ocean, great comfort food (BBQ chili dogs!), and lots of laughs.

On Saturday, I found time enough to create a couple of cards inspired by Mojo Monday's Tall & Skinny Sketch challenge.  

This first card is going to my nephew for his birthday.  He's such a loving boy and certainly priceless!

 I used a lot of 'stash' to include DCWV, Kaiser Craft, K&Co. and  Making Memories.  The buttons are vintage.

On the second card, I kept with my usual shabby style.  I used some vintage trim and an old stamp, embellishments by Kaiser Craft and My Mind's Eye as well as a hand cut, glittered heart.

 The paper is DCWV and Glitz Design - Pretty in Pink Roses.  I'll list this one in my Etsy shop for sale.  I think it would make a darling anniversary card.

I was happy with the way they turned out considering I didn't have much time to play.  It's always relaxing for me to be creative in my studio, and it gave me the burst of energy I needed to take the girls to the fireworks in Auburn on Saturday evening.  They had been postponed due to heavy rain and winds.  No matter how old I get, I'll always enjoy fireworks!

  Sunday afternoon the girls and I savored some good BBQ at my sister's home with her boys, my parents, Uncle Toby and David.  I just know I've gained 10 pounds these last few days, but it's been completely worth it!  The memories we've made will last forever.

I hope you found time for yourself and family this long holiday weekend.

M.

Lucy!

I've been so neglectful of my little blog.  My last post was on January 3rd (albeit this year), and here we are in the middle of May.  I have some 'splainin to do, wouldn't you say? 

To say that I've been busy is probably the biggest understatement I could make to date.  Being a single mom and trying to run a business isn't exactly conducive to much 'free time' other than for sleep.

Since my last post, my oldest daughter, Molly, turned 14.

Let me start by saying that I love her with every ounce of my being and finish with:  she will be lucky if she sees the age of 15.  Ovey!  Parenting a teen is most assuredly the biggest test of all that is good in me.

Molly and Madison have also finished their competitive cheering season with Velocity Cheer.  (Velocity Cheer is a non-profit program started through the town's Recreation Department by two local women - incredible coaches!)  

The training and competition schedules were so grueling that any semblance of our normal lives was put on hold for months.  The girls did nothing but school and cheering...no sleep overs, no dances, no Sunday morning breakfast with their Grandparents, and I found myself working at all hours (night and day) so I could stay on top of everything and still be the best cheer mom I could be.  

Molly and Madison were also lucky enough to have the best Daddy, Grandparents, Aunt and younger sister who collectively made it to every one of their competitions as well.

The younger sister, Mackenzie

The entire team exhibited such determination and dedication and were rewarded with first place in their division at every competition.  Quite impressive to say the least!  

Velocity Cheer - Team Force and Team Tempo

Madison, Kayla, Kashmir (friend) and Molly

 

In honor of the girls, the parents formed their own team and performed during a special final performance put on for the town.  

Velocity Cheer - Parent Team

I'll admit to three things after this experience.  

#1.  Cheering is a sport and should be respected as such (I was SORE).  #2.  I now do everything in an 8-count.  #3.  I will do any.thing for my girls...even wear a cheer bow (cheer bow =  BIG and glittery). 

On the flip side AKA the down and dirty.  My divorce still isn't final.  You'd expect it to be after two years, but because of the depths my husband was willing to drag this divorce in the name of spite it's been all uphill.  The girls and I continue moving forward with our lives as best we can with the support of wonderful friends and loving family.  We are going to be just fine.  Of this, I am sure.

My business, Reverie Creations, has been blessed with an increase in custom orders.  A ladies club in Oregon is hosting it's annual Spring Gala in recognition of it's members and their volunteer service.  I was lucky enough to play a small part in honoring them.

 

Each member will receive one of these handcrafted memory albums with a custom bookmark as well as a gift bag full of goodies.  I neglected to take photos of the bookmarks and gift bags before they were shipped out.  :(

I was also asked by a customer to create a special 60th birthday card for her husband.  She wanted the card to reflect his personality and his love of riding his Harley Davidson.  It was crafted in the same style as the surprise party she was throwing him in celebration.

And of course there have been special days to craft for since January.....

I also created some pretty tussie cones, but I'll save those for another post.

So you can plainly see that I haven't been neglectful of my little blog because I don't care.  I just haven't figured out how to add more hours to the day.

Take some time for yourself.

M.

Happy New Year!

Well, we've made it through another year, and I have to admit that it hasn't been one of the easiest for my little family.  I also realize that it could have been much worse, so I'm grateful to have the opportunity to create for ourselves a better one in 2014.

Wishing you and yours a blessed new year!
M.